Grooming Beyond the Basics: Coat Care Tips for Every Dog Type

Just so you know: our blog shares general tips and insights to support dog parents, but it’s not a substitute for professional advice. For medical or behavioural concerns, your vet or a qualified behaviourist is always the best place to start.

 

Keeping your dog clean is only the beginning. True grooming goes beyond the basics and plays a huge role in your dog’s comfort, skin health, and overall happiness. The trick is knowing that not all dog coats are created equal. A grooming routine that works beautifully for one dog may cause matting, irritation, or excessive shedding for another.

By understanding your dog’s coat type, you can groom smarter, not harder, and turn grooming time into a feel-good ritual for both of you.

 

Why Grooming Based on Coat Type Matters

Every coat has its own personality, just like your dog. Grooming the right way helps to:

• Prevent painful mats and tangles
  
• Reduce shedding around the house
  
• Support healthy skin and coat growth
  
• Improve comfort in warm and cool weather
  
• Spot skin issues early

Using coat-specific grooming techniques keeps your dog looking good and feeling even better.

 

Short Coats: Low Fuss, Still Worth the Love

Common breeds: Beagle, Boxer, Greyhound

Short coats may seem effortless, but they still benefit from regular care.

Best grooming tips:

• Brush once or twice a week with a rubber brush or soft bristles
  
• Bathe only when needed using a gentle dog shampoo
  
• Wipe down after walks to remove dirt and allergens
  
• Keep an eye out for dry skin or irritation

Short-coated dogs shed more than you think, and brushing helps keep fur off your furniture and clothes.

 

Long Coats: Beautiful but High Maintenance

Common breeds: Golden Retriever, Shih Tzu, Afghan Hound

Long coats are showstoppers, but they need commitment.

Best grooming tips:

• Brush daily or every second day using a slicker brush and comb
  
• Focus on high-tangle areas like ears, legs, chest, and tail
  
• Bathe every four to six weeks and dry thoroughly
  
• Use a detangling spray to make brushing easier
  
• Keeping long coats well brushed makes bath time faster and far less dramatic.

 

Double Coats: Built for All Seasons

Common breeds: Husky, German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever

Double-coated dogs have an insulating undercoat and a weather-resistant topcoat.

Best grooming tips:

• Brush two to three times a week with an undercoat rake
  
• Increase brushing during seasonal shedding
  
• Never shave the coat as it disrupts natural temperature regulation
  
• Dry thoroughly after bathing to avoid trapped moisture

Regular brushing keeps your dog cool in summer and your vacuum working less overtime.

 

Curly Coats: Cute Curls, Serious Care

Common breeds: Poodle, Labradoodle, Portuguese Water Dog

Curly coats trap dirt and tangle easily, so consistency is key.

Best grooming tips:

• Brush every day or every second day
  
• Use a slicker brush followed by a metal comb
  
• Schedule professional grooming every six to eight weeks
  
• Keep the coat trimmed to a manageable length

Always brush before bathing because water tightens mats and makes them harder to remove.

 

Wire Coats: Rough on the Outside, Special on the Inside

Common breeds: Schnauzer, Wire Fox Terrier, Border Terrier

Wire coats need specific care to maintain texture and colour.

Best grooming tips:

• Brush weekly to remove dirt and loose hair
  
• Hand-strip or book professional grooming as needed
  
• Bathe less often to preserve natural oils
  
• Keep beards and eyebrows clean and trimmed

Proper wire coat care keeps that rugged look intentional, not scruffy.

 

Hairless or Thin Coats: All About Skin Care

Common breeds: Chinese Crested, Xoloitzcuintli

Less fur means more skin to protect.

Best grooming tips:

• Bathe regularly using moisturising dog shampoo
  
• Apply pet-safe moisturiser if skin becomes dry
  
• Use dog-safe sunscreen outdoors
  
• Provide jumpers or coats in cooler weather

These dogs rely on you to protect their skin from the elements.

 

Grooming Tools That Make Life Easier

The right tools make grooming quicker, calmer, and more effective:

• Coat-specific brushes and combs
  
• Gentle shampoos suited to sensitive skin
  
• Highly absorbent dog towels for faster drying - this is our jam at Howel! 
  
• Nail clippers or grinders

Drying properly after baths or beach days helps prevent skin irritation and keeps your dog comfortable.

 

Grooming That Feels Good for Everyone

Grooming should never feel like a battle. When done right, it becomes a bonding moment where your dog feels cared for, calm, and comfortable. By tailoring your grooming routine to your dog’s coat type, you move beyond the basics and into thoughtful, confidence-boosting care.

A clean, dry, well-groomed dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog makes everything better.

The Howel Pack